Taking over the former Republic of Pie space in Belmont Shore, Owl Owl—the Signal Hill-based Thai-Lao restaurant—is officially soft-opening its second location Wednesday, May 28. Dubbed “The Second Owl,” it is located at 5272 E. 2nd St., taking over the former Republic of Pie.
Courtesy of business.
So what, exactly, is Owl Owl?
Tucked into a modest strip mall across from the Costco in Signal Hill, Owl Owl is the kind of place that doesn’t depend on much flash. The name might be playful, but the food is the reason it has built a loyal patronage. Rooted in the Lao and Thai street food traditions, here is where fermented fish sauce, fire, and fat meld.
The somtum Lao papaya salad is a standout. Fermented, spicy, and unapologetically pungent, it’s served with a bag of pork rinds for crunch. The boat noodles—though certainly not the best in the city—are layered with beef, meatballs, and Chinese broccoli. And the fried pork belly? Crisp on the outside and melting on the inside. Massaman beef curry. Pork larb. It’s a reminder that some of the best meals come from humble places, served in compostable containers. Think Tasty Food to Go, a place which Owl Owl deeply reflects.
Wait—what was Republic of Pie?
After Sancho’s Tacos officially closed its doors in Belmont Shore, it left an opening for a North Hollywood favorite to make its long-awaited expansion into Long Beach. That spot was Republic of Pie, marking the beloved pie shop’s first venture beyond its original location.
Known for being one of the best pie shops in the country—USA Today even called it one of the best restaurants in L.A.—Republic of Pie built its name on—you guessed it—pie. But this isn’t just your standard apple and pecan joint. We’re talking Strawberry Rhubarb, Blueberry Peach, Earl Grey Cream, Coconut Cream, Banana Cream, and even Espresso Chocolate… And they weren’t afraid to go savory either: think chicken pot pies, quiches, and sandwiches…. They even offered sharp cheddar atop apple pie—yes, that glorious old-school pairing you didn’t know you missed—and it might just be the revival we didn’t know we needed. Add in latte happy hours, live music, scones, danishes, and a space designed to host both casual conversation and heads-down creative work, and you’ve got something that felt like very much like a welcome addition to Belmont Shore.
However, with staples like Bake’n’Broil, Pie Bar, and Polly’s already dominating the market, it just couldn’t find its footing along with its owner facing severe health issues.
The Second Owl is located 5272 E. 2nd St.
